Introduction

Well, it took a long time to write, I hope you think it's worth it. Whats it about? A good question, I wish I knew. You could read it to find out. Basically, it's about my career in show business as a thespian.

Early Interests and Beginnings

Well, they can't touch you for it. I come from a working class family who had no roots in show business. My interest began at an early age. My father often took me to our local theatre where we would sit in the Gallery to see the shows. I just loved it and wanted to be part of it. But how to do it, that was the question. When at first you don't succeed, pack it in. Not me, I ignored that completely. I was given a book one Christmas on HOW TO BECOME A COMEDIAN. I've been trying ever since.

Military Service and Early Career

After that, I went into a local Concert Party and at last I had my feet on the ladder of success but I had a long way to go before I turned professional. I was in the R.A.F. 1951/53 doing my National Service where I did shows with professional entertainer Johnny Leeson and Guest Artist, Dennis Spicer, (a ventriloquist) and Terry Seabrooke (A Comedy Magician) who became a lifelong friend. Can you believe it, I was defending my Country. God knows what would have happened if we had been at war. We would have thrown jokes at the enemy, not bombs.

Post-Military and Personal Life

After leaving the R.A.F. in July 1953, I joined another Concert Party called, The Barnstormers. I was also doing The Working Men's Clubs, for the enormous fee, when I say enormous, I was on 5 per night and for that, I did 4 spots. Well, you have to start somewhere. In August 1960 I married my wife Jan. We've now been married for over 50 years. Not a bad run for show business. Is it?

Professional Achievements

In 1963 I turned professional when I was offered my first summer season on the Isle of Wight. In 1965 I did my first Pantomime Aladdin at my Local Repertory Theatre. This was the start of many years doing weekly Repertory Theatre up and down the country, and in 1971, I was offered a National Tour appearing in Agatha Christie's FIDDLER'S FIVE. I was busy in the 1970s doing summer seasons and pantomimes in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Transition to Television and Writing

In the 1980s and 90s, I moved into television and commercials. I wrote a musical in the 1990s called, The FLANAGAN & ALLEN Story, in which I played my idol BUD FLANAGAN, on and off for the next 12 years. Finally, it was time for me to hang up my fur coat and straw boater. I did achieve my ambition and became professional. I also met and worked with many stars.